“Gifts That Build, Not Gifts That Boast”
“Let everything be done so that the church may be built up.” — 1 Corinthians 14:26
If 1 Corinthians 13 teaches us how to love, then 1 Corinthians 14 teaches us how to use spiritual gifts in love, for the benefit of the church.
The Corinthians were not lacking spiritual gifts. Their problem was that they were not always using those gifts in a way that edified others.
THE PURPOSE OF GIFTS IS EDIFICATION
1 Corinthians 14:3–5
Paul explains that prophecy speaks to people for:
“their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”
This gives us a powerful test for ministry:
Does my ministry build people up?
Does it:
strengthen the weak?
encourage the discouraged?
comfort the hurting?
point people to Jesus?
help believers grow?
If the gift only makes me look impressive, something is wrong.
A gift is not a trophy. It is a responsibility.
God gives gifts so that we can serve others.
DON'T USE YOUR GIFT TO DRAW ATTENTION TO YOURSELF
The Corinthian church had a danger:
Using spiritual gifts for personal recognition.
The question can easily become:
“How spiritual do I look?”
instead of:
“How can I serve?”
There is a huge difference between:
“Look at what God gave me.”
and
“How can I use what God gave me to bless you?”
The second reflects Christ.
Before using a spiritual gift, ask:
1. Am I serving or showing off?
2. Will this build someone up?
3. Will this point people to Jesus or to me?
4. Am I operating in love?
5. Is there clarity and wisdom?
6. Will this bring peace and order?
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